GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 891828  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the front wheel and the tire assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Pry off the locking plate and remove the brake pressure hose from the strut.

  4. Object Number: 891759  Size: SH
  5. Remove the caliper retainer spring.
  6. Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

  7. Remove the caliper-to-bracket guide pins.
  8. Remove the caliper assembly.
  9. Remove the inboard and the outboard brake pads from the caliper assembly.
  10. Inspect the guide pin boots and covers for damage. If damaged, replace.
  11. Inspect the piston boot for deterioration. If damage, overhaul the caliper.
  12. Important: Do not attempt to clean away the corrosion.

  13. Inspect the guide pin for damage or corrosion. Replace if damaged or corroded.
  14. Repeat steps 3 through 8 for the opposite side of the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Never replace brake pads on one side of the axle only. The left and right side brake pads must be replaced only as axle sets.

    Important: The piston boot must lie flat, below the level of the piston face.

  1. Using a C-clamp, bottom the piston all the way into the caliper bore.
  2. Important: Linings are identified for left or right use. Install the linings so the arrow is pointing downward, with the forward rotation of the wheel.

    Important: Remove all rust and corrosion from the caliper brackets when installing the brake pads. If installing used brake pads, remove all rust and corrosion from the ends of the brake pads and from the notch. Make sure the brake pads move freely in the caliper bracket when the brakes are assembled.

  3. Install the inner and the outer brake pads into the calipers.
  4. Position the caliper onto the caliper support bracket.
  5. Important: Be careful not to damage guide pin boot.

  6. Lubricate the straight section (not the threads) of the guide pins with silicone grease.
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  8. Install the guide pins through the caliper body into the caliper support and tighten.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the caliper-to-bracket guide pins to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  10. Install the guide pin bushing caps.

  11. Object Number: 891759  Size: SH
  12. Install the caliper retention spring.

  13. Object Number: 891828  Size: SH
  14. Re-attach the brake hose to the strut assembly and install the lock plate.
  15. Repeat steps  1 through  7 for the opposite side of the vehicle.
  16. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  17. Lower the vehicle from the hoist.
  18. Prior to operating the vehicle, depress the brake pedal 3-5 times until the brake pads are seated against the rotor.